Space Craft BBQ in Webster Closes, Seeks New Owner

Houston’s vibrant barbecue scene is seeing a temporary closure as Space Craft BBQ & Taps, a popular spot near NASA’s Space Center Houston in Webster, has announced it will be closed through the end of the year. The founders are now looking to sell the business entirely, hoping a new owner will continue its legacy.

A Beloved Local BBQ Spot Faces New Challenges

Space Craft BBQ & Taps, known for its craft barbecue from a unique 750-gallon offset pit smoker, began serving the Clear Lake area in February 2024. Owners Ben Muths and Aaron Timmons, who started the venture in 2022, quickly built a reputation not just for their delicious food but also for their profound community spirit.

From Community Support to Difficult Decisions

A notable moment in Space Craft’s brief history came just five months after opening, when Hurricane Beryl devastated the Houston area in July 2024. True to a condition set by family friend Paulie Gaido when lending them the trailer, Muths and Timmons stepped up to hand out free barbecue meals to millions of residents left without power, demonstrating their commitment to the community during a critical time.

Despite this significant goodwill and even being featured in Texas Monthly, the founders ultimately faced insurmountable challenges. Muths explained to Chron that both he and Timmons became increasingly busy with their primary full-time jobs, making it difficult to provide adequate support for their dedicated pitmaster, Ben “Obi” Gotcher.

Rising Costs and Shifting Dreams Impact Business

Beyond the operational strain, significant financial pressures played a substantial role in the decision to close. The initial dream of expanding Space Craft into a large brewery and taproom with barbecue remained out of reach. Perhaps the most impactful factor was the dramatic increase in beef prices. Muths noted they resorted to sourcing choice brisket from Kroger at $3.99 per pound just to manage costs, while acknowledging that craft barbecue from other establishments can sometimes command prices upwards of $40 a pound.

This stark disparity highlighted a core issue for the business: maintaining affordability for their local customers while dealing with relentlessly escalating ingredient costs. “You can charge $40 a pound if you wanted to,” Muths stated, reflecting on the market, “But at some point people will go, ‘Huh, I was eating this brisket for $20 not long ago.'”

The Search for a New Pitmaster’s Vision

Muths and Timmons are now actively seeking a buyer for the Space Craft BBQ enterprise. They are offering the full business for $100,000 or, alternatively, just the assets for $75,000. A crucial aspect of their hope is that a prospective buyer would choose to retain the well-loved Space Craft BBQ branding, ensuring the legacy continues. They’ve also committed to providing “enablement and support” to the new owner, aiming to ease the transition into the demanding craft barbecue industry.

“I really love what we built with the brand. We were doing some good work providing a level of craft barbecue Clear Lake didn’t have,” Muths reflected. “I think there is some momentum in it, though. We’re just thinking that maybe someone else who’s starting out and wanting to get into the industry would be a better fit for it.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Space Craft BBQ

• Why is Space Craft BBQ temporarily closed?
  Owners Ben Muths and Aaron Timmons cited increasing demands from their full-time jobs, challenges in realizing their brewery/taproom vision, and escalating beef prices as primary reasons for the closure and decision to sell.
• What is the asking price for Space Craft BBQ?
  The full business is available for $100,000, or the assets alone can be purchased for $75,000.
• Will the Space Craft BBQ brand continue?
  The current owners express a strong desire for a new buyer to retain the Space Craft BBQ branding and are willing to provide support to facilitate this.
• How did Space Craft BBQ contribute to the Houston community?
  Following Hurricane Beryl, the owners famously used their barbecue trailer to provide free meals to millions of Houston-area residents who were without power.
• Is it still possible to place orders?
  Yes, despite the temporary closure, Space Craft BBQ is still taking Thanksgiving orders through its official website.

For Houstonians who cherish local craft barbecue and community-minded businesses, the temporary closure of Space Craft BBQ & Taps is undoubtedly a bittersweet development. With a rich history of serving both delicious food and vital support during challenging times, this Webster establishment represents an appealing opportunity for an aspiring pitmaster to carry forward a beloved brand and continue its impactful journey.

Space Craft BBQ Webster Closes Seeks New Owner